How Big Does a Doorless Shower Need to Be?

Doorless showers are gaining in popularity.

Size requirements for a doorless shower in a private home will be governed by local building and plumbing code requirements. These differ from state to state, so contact your local building official or bath designer before starting your project. The International Residential Code requires a residential shower interior to be at least 900 square inches. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends an interior that is at least 36 inches by 36 inches.

Sloping the Floor

A doorless (i.e., walk-in) shower requires sufficient space and design to contain the water flow and splash. According to NC State University, length and depth of walk-in showers are both critical to water flow control. If the shower is too small, the floor cannot slope for adequate drainage and water will seep out through the opening. A larger shower simplifies the sloping process.

Minimum Splash

You can use a shower curtain to contain splash in a stall shower with no doors, but without sloping, the pooling water may still escape. For custom walk-in showers, designers will slope the floor, strategically position the showerhead and configure shower walls to control water splashing. One popular method to control water in a larger, custom walk-in shower is a curving wall that nearly surrounds the showerhead but still leaves a walk-in opening. Building these using frosted glass and glass blocks controls water and provides privacy but still allows light to pass through.

ADA Compliant Walk-in Showers

A walk-in shower makes bathing much easier for people with mobility challenges. Curbless showers provide easy access to the shower without having to step over the typical 6-inch curb found in most shower stalls. In fact, wheelchairs can roll right into a curbless shower stall. These are a staple of current home universal bath design, which combines comfort, accessibility and style. NC State University says that most national codes permit curbless showers as shallow as 30 inches by 60 inches; however they suggest a minimum depth of 36 inches. A shower that is 5 feet by 5 feet will allow sufficient space for both the wheelchair user and an aide.

Totally Open Showers

Just because a doorless shower is convenient doesn't mean it has to look ordinary. An open shower can give a bathroom a larger, lighter appearance. Depending on the design and the materials used, creating a transition to the open shower can be stylish. Open showers are a luxury as well as a convenience and they work well in traditional and contemporary bathrooms. The National Association of Realtors says bathroom design is trending toward the luxurious, with many homeowners upgrading to larger showers. For totally open showers, you’ll need at least 6 feet of surrounding space to protect the rest of the bathroom from water. If you like the open look but want more protection, a half-wall is a good compromise. For additional water control, Houzz.com suggests a rain-style showerhead instead of one that angles outward.

About the Author

Julie Reynolds is a writer with 25-plus years experience creating content for print and web outlets and video scripts. Reynolds writes for consumer and trade audiences, and specializes in translating complicated concepts for lay readers. She has extensive expertise conveying safety information to consumers.